Today we started our unusually cold day with a quick breakfast before heading off for a 7km bike ride to begin our first day in Luang Prabang. We got our bikes and headed off through the city before reaching the rocky terrain of Laos. We passed local businesses and saw what the living conditions were like for the people of Luang Prabang. We observed amazing views whilst experiencing busy traffic through the city streets.
We swapped our bikes for mini vans once we reached a handicraft village. We watched the local women making paper by hand, saw the different stages of silk being made from silk worms and watched scarves being made by a loom machine. After a quick shopping trip to buy some beautiful hand made books and other treasures we made our way to lunch.
Our restaurant was situated along the mighty Mekong river where we got to experience a taste of the local cuisine of rice, curry and noodle soup. We then headed back on the very bumpy road towards the elephant camp where we saddled up for an hour trek along the banks of the river.
Whilst we sat on top of these amazing animals we also got the opportunity to ride bare back on the elephants. We observed some incredible scenic views whilst the elephants strolled through the water. We waited for all the groups to finish their hour ride and we got to see what the life of the elephants was like, before making our way back to the Sunway Hotel. We then got some time to relax before we head out for dinner.
Tonight, we are really looking forward to splitting up into our groups of four and choosing our own restaurant for dinner, and then taking a stroll down the 1km night market street.
By Sophie Kas & Keely Gray